The 2 weeks that follow pass quickly.

Fargo has a community of beastkin. And, Max has been able to relate with some of his kind.

For my part, I've focused on my cultivation.

The day of the auction comes and Max and I find our way to the Fang clan auction house.

The bored receptionist is alive with energy as we enter the building.

A note of fear is mixed into his greeting, "Lord Askilar, a viewing room has been arranged for you."

I'm surprised that they would go to the effort of preparing a room just for me.

And, I'm surprised by the man's deference. I've never been called lord before.

Max dutifully follows as my attendant.

The room is plush, with velvet carpeting.

The chairs are ornate with healthy cushioning.

I look out on the main floor where most of the potential buyers are seated.

Other viewing rooms look out on the gathering.

It takes a couple of hours for the auction to begin.

"Welcome, esteemed ladies and gentlemen.

"It is the Fang clan's privilege to host tonight's auction."

The moderator bows to the crowd.

"We have many treasures to share with you this day.

"We are sure you will find something to your liking.

"For our first auction, we have a rare set of items. Ten bottles of tempering sky cultivation pills."

The bidding war commences as I watch on.

"Tempering sky," the sword scoffs. "They're passing that low-grade pill off as treasure?"

I know nothing of medicinal pills. So, I do not comment.

As the auction goes on, I see rare jade and ivory pieces spark fierce bidding wars.

Enchanted armor and weapons draw the attention of the martial sects in attendance.

One sword up for auction draws my legendary weapon's ire.

"The crap people think so valuable. I can't believe it."

The amount of money that people have alarms me.

I knew that the elite were rich. But, for them to pass around coins like this...

"At last, my friends, we come to our final item.

"This item was procured at great risk and we are privileged to present it to you tonight."

"We have for you a dragon's heart."

Silence rings out as the pulsing jewel is brought out in a silk-lined box.

The moderator smiles as the guests break out in conversation.

"We," the man continues, "will start the bidding at 100,000 silver pieces."

I'm stunned by the starting price.

Max looks at me with shock.

The bidding war grows fierce as the other patrons in the viewing boxes offer staggering bids.

Soon, the common bidders are left behind as the elite of the elite compete for the prize.

Only as the cost grows prohibitively expensive does the bidding slow.

Finally, a winner is called.

"To all our valued patrons, we of the Fang clan extend our gratitude to you all."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The people begin to disburse as I am left numb by how much the dragon's heart sold for.

An employee of the clan meets us as we exit the room.

"Your money is being prepared. Please follow me.

I meet the cashier in the back room.

"Due to the size of your earnings," the woman says, "we will write you a check that may be deposited at the imperial bank.

"We trust this to be acceptable for you."

Mechanically, I nod my head.

When the check finds my hand, it strikes me just how much money I now have.

Max peeks over my shoulder.

"What could you buy for that much?" he whispers.

I find myself at a loss for how to answer the question.

The streets are dark as we leave the auction house.

The bank will be open tomorrow and I find myself protective of the solitary piece of paper.

Tonight is not a night for drinking in the seedier part of town.

A night at a nearby inn runs far more expensive than any other inn I've stayed at.

But, with this expense comes a sense of security.

Max and I share a room. But, I do not need the bed.

My companion is staying up later as his cultivation advances.

The day comes on as a storm.

The butterflies in my stomach only grow more intense as I walk to the bank.

A receptionist sees our clothing and promptly ignores us.

Finally, she looks to me. "What?"

I present the check to her.

Her eyes widen and she rushes to the back room.

A man with a clean-shaven face comes out.

"The Fang clan must have found something remarkable in you, Mr.?"

"Askilar," I say as he examines the check.

"Mr. Askilar."

He looks to me, "I hope you've considered accepting our humble services."

"In other words," the sword says, "please don't withdraw all this money right now."

I smile, "That's what I was hoping to do."

The man is pleased, "Then, shall we open a new account for you?"

I nod.

The process takes some time. But, at last, I have a bank account with an obscene amount of money in it.

"We have offices in most cities across the empire. We look forward to serving you in any way you may need."

I come away with a purse heavy with silver and a smile on my face.

Our real celebration takes us to a common pub.

Just because I'm rich, it doesn't mean I want to spend my money on overpriced suds.

Max looks at me with awe, "You could buy a title as a lord."

I look at him over my drink.

"Why would I want to do that?"

"You would gain respect and rule over a region."

"Nah," I say. "I'd rather continue as I have been."

"Plus," the sword says. "If you holed up in some castle we wouldn't be able to fight as much."

Max seems confused by my lack of motivation.

"Where are we going next, then?"

"Aha," the blade exclaims. "Finally ready to follow my lead?

"As I see it, you have two choices. Go South to face the demons. Or, seek out the celestial pantheon."

"I think," comes my response, "that for now we should focus on our cultivation.

"We can make our minds up on what to do from there."

The sword sighs, "We never do what I want to do."

I smirk as we enjoy our celebration.

The city is a fun place to visit.

But, my heart lies in the wilderness.

During the day, I spar with Max. He's begun to mobilize chi and our conflicts grow ever more challenging.

Nights see us meditating.

The center of my soul world still eludes me. But, everywhere I go, I find the spirits seeking me.

"Have you figured it out yet?" the sword laughs.

"What do you-?"

Realization dawns on me.

"You should have told me."

"Ha. You should work for your breakthroughs from time to time."

I sigh as I find my soul world's center, me.

The spirits of this illusory world come as I call out to them.

As I absorb the life of my soul world, I feel the chi refine into a more pure form.

I only realize the coming of the day when Max stirs from his slumber.

The traps see to our breakfast.

I find my appetite declining by the day.

"Who needs meat when all the universe feeds you?"

The sword's point makes sense, considering my development as a cultivator.

Weeks pass as Max finds his need for sleep lessened.

We are both advancing and I wonder at how we would fare against the demons.

"I wouldn't worry. You're leagues stronger than when we faced the bug demon."

Time becomes as fluid as a river when you don't sleep.

"Come on," the sword pesters me. "It's been months of this secluded meditation bullshit.

"Let's go defend the common folk from the evil demon invasion.

"You just want to fight," I point out.

The sword is flustered, "Okay fine. I just want to fight. I'm a sword, it's what we do."

I chuckle, "I think you're right.

"Max..."

The young man opens his eyes, "Yes?"

"Do you think you're ready to head back South to face the demons?"

His eyes show some fear. But, he hardens his resolve as he looks at me.

"Yes."

"Let's collect the camp."

In short order, we prepare ourselves for the road.

The sword is going crazy with its excitement.

Our journey begins and I think about whether or not this is the right decision.

Demons are not something to play around with. They will eat the unprepared.

The trees have taken on orange and red leaves as the temperature falls.

With chi, it is a simple matter to maintain our body temperature.

"I'd like to visit a ruin," Max says on our long walk.

"What are you hoping to find?"

He smiles, embarrassed, "A sword."

"Ha," the sword laughs.

"You could," I say. "But, they'll likely be rusted beyond salvation."

Max nods his understanding.

When the day ends, we cultivate.

And, when the night ends, we walk.

It took some time for us to make our way to Jareel, the city where I'd met Max.

We enter its walls as the sun dips down on the horizon.

An oppressive atmosphere greets us as we pass the apprehensive guards.

I can tell that Max is uncomfortable being back here.

We find an inn and bed down for the night.

"Tomorrow, we'll get you a sword."

Max nods as we part for our rooms.

"The kid is scared."

I look to the sword, "I would think that appropriate."

"There are two kinds of fear," the sword explains. "Smart fear and stupid fear.

"I've seen it countless times. Warriors who let themselves make stupid mistakes on the battlefield."

I wonder if I'm not likely to make such mistakes.

"Don't worry, bearer. You've got me to save you when you do something stupid.

"But, the kid doesn't have such security."

I process the words. The sword is expressing doubt that I was reluctant to express.

"We'll keep him safe," I tell myself as much as I tell the sword.

Night passes.